EFFECT OF CONSUMPTION OF INSTANT NOODLES ON LIVER FUNCTION MARKERS AND LIVER HISTOLOGY OF ADULT ALBINO RATS

Abstract

The study was conducted to ascertain the effects of consumption of instant noodles on liver function markers and liver histology of adult albino rats. Twenty (20) adult albino rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into four groups of five rats each. At the end of adaptation, the rats were fed for 28days. The control rats (group 1) were fed with rat chow. Group 2 was given crushed minimie instant noodles without seasoning. Group 3 was given crushed minimie instant noodles with 50% seasoning and group 4 rats were fed with crushed minimie instant noodles with 100% seasoning. At the end of the feeding exercise blood samples were collected and liver harvested. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in AST in group 4 when compared to control. There was also a significant increase (P<0.05) in ALT in group 4 when compared to control group. There was no histopathological damage in groups 1 and 2 rats liver. Histopathological damage was observed in the rats (groups 3 & 4) fed with noodles and seasoning. The seasoning was seen to be unsafe for the albino rats considering its effects on liver function markers and liver histology. It is therefore recommended that consumers of instant noodles should use very minimal amounts of the seasoning or avoid it entirely until further studies are carried out.